Good-Skin Diet

A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables and moderately high in fats is associated with reduced skin aging. In a study of 716 Japanese women, decreased presence of crow's-feet was linked with highest consumption of these vegetables (an average of nine ounces, or about three servings, daily), and skin elasticity was linked with highest consumption of all types of fats (about 74 grams per day). Studies indicate that antioxidants in green and yellow vegetables, particularly beta-carotene, can act as a mild sunscreen, which may explain their effect on wrinkling, and "maintenance of collagen and elastic fibers may require adequate amounts of fat," the authors write in their paper in the British Journal of Nutrition. However, the participants with the highest beneficial-fat consumption still had lower intakes than most Americans, and other studies suggest that higher amounts may adversely affect skin health, the researchers write. An earlier Australian study found that high intake of vegetables and olive oil may be protective against sun spots on the skin.